When it comes to digestive health, early diagnosis and expert care are crucial for effective treatment and long-term wellness. Dr. Deetlefs, a highly respected gastroenterologist, offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures tailored to meet the individual needs of his patients.
With years of experience and a reputation for excellence in the field of gastroenterology, Dr. Deetlefs ensures that each patient receives comprehensive care using the latest medical techniques and technologies.
This article provides an in-depth look at the procedures offered by Dr. Deetlefs and explains how they are used to diagnose and treat a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)
What It Is:
Gastroscopy is a procedure that allows for the visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible endoscope with a camera.
What It’s Used For:
- Investigating causes of upper abdominal pain, reflux, or swallowing difficulties
- Diagnosing ulcers, inflammation, or tumors
- Taking biopsies for suspected infections or cancer
- Treating bleeding lesions or dilating strictures
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
Dr. Deetlefs uses the latest endoscopic technology to ensure high-resolution imaging and accurate diagnosis. His careful technique reduces patient discomfort and improves recovery times.
Colonoscopy
What It Is:
A colonoscopy involves examining the inside of the colon and rectum using a long, flexible tube with a camera.
What It’s Used For:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Diagnosing causes of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss
- Removing polyps (polypectomy) to prevent cancer
- Monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
With a patient-first approach, Dr. Deetlefs ensures every colonoscopy is thorough, safe, and comfortable. His keen diagnostic skills help detect early signs of disease before symptoms become severe.
Polypectomy
What It Is:
Polypectomy is the removal of polyps found during a colonoscopy or gastroscopy.
What It’s Used For:
- Preventing colorectal cancer
- Removing precancerous lesions
- Controlling bleeding polyps
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
His experience in endoscopic polypectomy ensures the procedure is safe and effective, minimizing the need for invasive surgery.
Double-Balloon Enteroscopy
What It Is:
This advanced technique allows examination and treatment of the small intestine, which cannot be reached using standard endoscopes.
What It’s Used For:
- Investigating obscure GI bleeding
- Diagnosing small bowel tumors or inflammation
- Performing biopsies or therapeutic interventions
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
As a specialist trained in advanced endoscopy, Dr. Deetlefs is one of the few experts offering double-balloon enteroscopy, providing a critical tool for diagnosing complex conditions.
Capsule Endoscopy
What It Is:
Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small, pill-sized camera that captures images as it travels through the digestive tract.
What It’s Used For:
- Identifying sources of GI bleeding
- Diagnosing Crohn’s disease
- Detecting tumors in the small intestine
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
Dr. Deetlefs utilizes capsule endoscopy for non-invasive yet comprehensive evaluation, offering patients a more comfortable diagnostic option.
Dilatation of Strictures
What It Is:
This procedure involves stretching or widening narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines using balloons or dilators.
What It’s Used For:
- Treating swallowing difficulties due to esophageal strictures
- Alleviating blockages caused by inflammation or tumors
- Improving food passage and quality of life
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
His precision in identifying and treating strictures ensures maximum relief with minimal complications.
Oesophageal, Gastric, and Duodenal Stent Placement
What It Is:
Stents are small tubes inserted into narrowed or blocked sections of the GI tract to keep them open.
What It’s Used For:
- Palliating symptoms in patients with tumors
- Relieving obstructions in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine
- Enabling better nutrition and comfort in advanced GI disease
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
His use of minimally invasive stent placement helps patients maintain better nutrition and quality of life, particularly when surgery isn’t an option.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
What It Is:
EMR is a technique used to remove early-stage cancer or precancerous lesions from the GI tract without surgery.
What It’s Used For:
- Removing large polyps
- Treating early esophageal or stomach cancer
- Managing Barrett’s esophagus with dysplasia
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
As a leader in therapeutic endoscopy, Dr. Deetlefs offers expert EMR services with a focus on organ preservation and early intervention.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
What It Is:
ERCP is a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray to diagnose and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts.
What It’s Used For:
- Removing bile duct stones
- Placing stents to relieve obstruction
- Diagnosing pancreatitis or bile duct strictures
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
With years of experience in ERCP, Dr. Deetlefs ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses and prompt treatment for complex hepatobiliary conditions.
Haemostasis of GI Bleeding
What It Is:
This involves stopping active bleeding during endoscopy using clips, heat (cautery), injections, or sprays.
What It’s Used For:
- Bleeding ulcers
- Bleeding tumors
- Variceal bleeding
- Diverticular bleeding
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs:
Prompt and effective haemostasis can save lives. Dr. Deetlefs is highly skilled in emergency and elective endoscopic bleeding control.
Why Choose Dr. Deetlefs?
Dr. Deetlefs is a board-certified gastroenterologist with extensive training in both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Known for his compassionate patient care and cutting-edge clinical expertise, he emphasizes personalized treatment plans for each patient. Whether managing chronic conditions or performing complex procedures, Dr. Deetlefs ensures optimal outcomes through attention to detail, patient education, and the use of the most advanced technologies available.
Consultations for gastrointestinal and liver related diseases with a specific interest in inflammatory bowel disease and iron deficiency anaemia caused by obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Admitting rights to Mediclinic Milnerton and Life Vincent Pallotti Hospitals.
As part of his special interest in obscure GI bleeding, he provides a full service for small bowel investigation including capsule endoscopy and double balloon Enteroscopy.
Dr Eduan Deetlefs sees the whole spectrum of gastrointestinal and liver related diseases with a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease and anaemia caused by obscure intestinal bleeding.
He furthermore has an in room infusion centre at his Mediclinic Milnerton Practice for administration of biological and intravenous iron infusions.
He performs numerous procedures including diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopies and colonoscopies.
He believes that quality endoscopy is of the utmost importance as subtle findings might be life altering.
Dr Eduan Deetlefs has a wealth of up to date knowledge in the management of inflammatory bowel disease and in addition he has a trial centre, Spoke Research Inc, that specializes in biological trials for inflammatory bowel disease.
Patient-Centered Care and Compassion
Beyond his technical expertise, what sets Dr. Deetlefs apart is his patient-first philosophy. He understands that undergoing any medical procedure can be stressful. That’s why he takes the time to answer questions, explain procedures in understandable terms, and make sure patients feel comfortable every step of the way.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing digestive symptoms or have been referred for a gastroenterology procedure, Dr. Deetlefs can provide the expert guidance and care you need. Early intervention is key to managing GI conditions effectively and improving quality of life.
To book an appointment or learn more about the procedures he offers, contact Dr. Deetlefs’ practice today.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.
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© Dr. Eduan Deetlefs, Registered Gastroenterologist, GI Doc Cape Town
Our website information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a doctor about your specific condition. Only a trained physician can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.